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Anytime someone bullies you, it's important that you learn how to stand up for yourself . Being assertive means that you are honest about how you feel without acting aggressively, engaging in

Most of the time, family bullying takes place in the form of relational aggression , but it can, in extreme cases, escalate into physical bullying too. Oftentimes, though, family bullies resort to manipulation,...

Much like traditional bullying or even cyberbullying, dealing with a family bully can have a lasting impact. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the American Osteopathic Association (AOE), adults who are bullied experience a number of physical and mental consequences as the result of bull...

• Know your limits and your values . When setting boundaries, it's important to understand clearly what you can roll with and where you draw the line. These realizations will help you develop appropriate boundaries. For instance, maybe you don't mind a few jokes or occasional ...

• Has unrealistic expectations of you or makes unreasonable demands
• Blames you when things go wrong
• Invalidates your thoughts and feelings by undermining, minimizing, or dismissing you or your thoughts
• Creates chaos in your life by starting arguments, nitpicking, or mak...

• Honor your commitment to the boundaries . It's very important that you follow through on your boundaries. For instance, if you have set a boundary about name calling, you need to follow through with the consequence if it happens again. You can give a warning if you want by s...

Sometimes, family bullying happens simply because the adult who bullies has never learned how to relate in a healthy way. Other times, it occurs because they want to manipulate and control situations.

It's important to note that family bullying is not the same thing as domestic violence, wh...

Bullying perpetrated by adults is more subtle and manipulative than the tactics children use and it tends to happen more slowly over time through small manipulative or controlling actions and words.2

What's more, this type of behavior can be confusing and cause you to doubt your perception...

Contrary to popular belief, bullying doesn't always disappear along with the acne, driving courses, and standardized tests of the teen years. It can continue into adulthood and can be found in j...

Here's an example of how to establish a boundary with someone. Let's assume your partner's aunt repeatedly insults your cooking and humiliates you in front of your guests. If you find this behavior hurtful, pull her to the side privately and let her know that her comments hurt your feelings and t...

Sometimes it can help to share the details of your experience with a trusted friend. The key is to find someone you can confide in. Steer clear of gossip but look for someone who will support you whe...

Then, if it happens again, remind her that you don't appreciate her insults and that you may not invite her to anymore dinner parties. Be careful not to make a threat, but just state the consequences in a matter-of-fact sort of way.

Keep in mind, she may never change her behavior, but you d...

If these things are happening in your family, it's normal to feel that your power is being diminished. You also may feel like your emotional or mental health is suffering due to the bullying.

If that is the case, it's time to start questioning the health of the relationship. Not only should...

You also can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance from trained advocates. They can help you process the bullying you are experiencing.

For more mental health resources, see our...

• Value yourself and your needs . Too many times, people neglect using boundaries because they feel guilty about doing so. But your wants and needs are valid and so are your feelings. You don't have to tolerate bad behavior just for the sake of the family
• Make ...

• Be direct and clear about your expectations . You may need to practice beforehand, but make sure when you share your boundaries with the family member, that you are direct and to the point. Be specific about the behavior that bothers you and then let them know that you are n...

Meanwhile, nearly 20% of those surveyed said that they had a mental breakdown because of the bullying and 17% indicated that the could not function from day to day.2

The AOE indicates that the emotional strain caused by adult bullying could even lead to gastrointestinal changes, elevated b...

When it comes to a family bully, it's important to create firm boundaries between you and the bully. Here's how to set boundaries with someone who bullies you.

If you have a family member who is bullying you, it's important that you take steps to protect your emotional and mental health. Bullying behaviors don't end without some type of intervention.

That said, you cannot control another person's behavior or choices, so you will need to learn how ...

It's also important that you recognize the warning signs of bullying. This will involve looking at how your interactions with the other person make you feel as well as taking a closer look at their behaviors.

For instance, if you feel hurt, confused, frustrated, misunderstood, anxious, wort...